Principal Advisor

South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF); Adelaide; On-site; AUD 130,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

The South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF) is seeking a senior leader within Priority Reforms to drive complex cross-government projects and deliver high-impact reform initiatives that benefit South Australians.

You will provide strategic advice to senior decision-makers, lead policy development from planning through to implementation, and build trusted relationships with executives and key stakeholders across government in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience developing, implementing and evaluating policy or reform initiatives.
• The ability to think strategically and provide innovative, evidence-based advice on complex issues.
• Highly developed communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Sound judgement, initiative and the ability to navigate sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to work with complex information.
• The ability to lead priorities, manage competing demands and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex policy development, reform initiatives and strategic analysis.
• Deliver high-quality advice on significant policy and financial matters.
• Drive cross-government projects from planning through to implementation and evaluation.
• Build trusted relationships with senior executives and key stakeholders across government.
• Identify and manage risks to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Influence decisions that contribute to the future economic and social prosperity of South Australia.

Job description

Think big opportunity to do interesting work and grow your career.

Join a team of good people, doing interesting work, with serious impact for South Australia.

What We Offer

• Meaningful work that contributes to outcomes for South Australia
• A supportive team environment where people connect and collaborate
• Flexible working arrangements that support life and career
• Opportunities to grow capability and build a long-term career
• Salary packaging and wellbeing benefits

Who we are

At the Department of Treasury and Finance (DTF), we’re building a world-class Treasury for South Australia – it’s about the people and the impact we create together.

We’re South Australia’s lead agency for economic, digital and financial policy outcomes. Our work touches every corner of the state, from enabling frontline services to driving digital transformation. And we do it all with one purpose: to make life better for the people who call South Australia home.

About your branch

The Revenue, Economics and Policy branch delivers robust analysis, strategic advice and innovative solutions to address priority social, economic, revenue and financial policy issues, supporting informed decision-making across government.

The branch leads initiatives that address complex policy, economic, data and fiscal challenges, driving improved outcomes across key social and economic priorities. It provides whole-of-government leadership and advice on financial management matters and brings together expertise in state taxation, Commonwealth-State financial relations, economics and data analytics to deliver revenue forecasts, economic insights and evidence-based policy advice that inform government priorities and decision-making.

Why this role matters

This role shapes significant reform initiatives that influence economic, financial and social outcomes across South Australia. As a senior leader within Priority Reforms, you will drive complex cross-government projects, provide strategic advice to senior decision-makers and help deliver meaningful change that benefits South Australians.

What you will do

• Lead complex policy development, reform initiatives and strategic analysis.
• Deliver high-quality advice on significant policy and financial matters.
• Drive cross-government projects from planning through to implementation and evaluation.
• Build trusted relationships with senior executives and key stakeholders across government.
• Identify and manage risks to ensure successful project outcomes.
• Influence decisions that contribute to the future economic and social prosperity of South Australia.

What you bring

We're looking for someone who has:

• Significant experience developing, implementing and evaluating policy or reform initiatives.
• The ability to think strategically and provide innovative, evidence-based advice on complex issues.
• Highly developed communication skills, with the ability to influence, negotiate and build strong stakeholder relationships.
• Sound judgement, initiative and the ability to navigate sensitive matters with professionalism and discretion.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability, including the ability to work with complex information.
• The ability to lead priorities, manage competing demands and deliver high-quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.

Remuneration

ASO8 (Salary Range $130,046 - $134,956 p.a.) + 12% Super

Special Conditions

The successful candidate will be required to undergo a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

Enquiries

If you'd like to learn more, or for a confidential discussion, please contact:

Belinda Merret, Director, Priority Reforms

Phone: [phone]

Diversity & Inclusion

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences.

If you have accessibility needs or would like us to make any adjustments at any stage of the process — such as receiving interview questions in advance, flexible interview formats, or accessing materials in alternative formats — please let us know. We're happy to work with you to understand what will help you perform at your best.

Aboriginal Employment Program

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are interested in building a career at DTF or across the broader South Australian public sector.

Applicants may also choose to join the SA Public Sector Aboriginal Employment Register. Joining the register is optional and provides access to additional support and employment opportunities across the SA public sector.

Flexibility Statement

The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.